Pre 1945: public morality Flashcards
what is public morality?
- the attempts made by more conservative elements within chrisitan denominations to enforce certain moral values through legislation
what issues did they target to protect their public morality?
sabbatarianism,
sexual morality,
the consumption of alcohol and gambling.
what is sabbatarianism?
the doctrine of those Christians who believe that the Sabbath should be observed in accordance with the Fourth Commandment, which forbids work on the Sabbath
what was public morality in sabbatarianism? why? results?
compulsory attendance of Church of England services for all convicts on the Sabbath in the early colony
- intention: improve moral character of convicts
- resulted in legislation abolishing recreational activities along with servile and commercial labour on Sundays.
what was the temperance movement?
- mostly sponsored by the desire of Protestant denominations who wished to reduce alcohol consumption
- called upon men to take pledge to abstain from alcohol
how was temperance movement promoted?
made considerable use of women to convince their husbands, brothers and sons to take the pledge
- ready to support movement as they were victims of alcohol related problems.
how did temperance movement influence australia?
Despite the influence, legislation to prohibit selling of liquor in Australia was never achieved bc the Church of England and Catholic Church authorities saw no harm of the drinking alcohol in moderation.
what was sexual morality?
- widespread opposition from all Christian denominations towards extramarital relationships, homosexuality, and divorce.
- laws that governed this were strict and divorce laws ensured that it was difficult to terminate a marriage in any circumstances.
what was gambling?
- Christianity influenced banning of gambling early Australian society.
- Most Christian denominations denounced gaining wealth through methods other than honest labor.
- The Catholic Church had no moral objections to gambling if it was not excessive.
